Effects of chemoradiation and tongue exercise on swallow biomechanics and bolus kinematics

Abstract

BackgroundCommon treatments for head and neck cancer (radiation and chemotherapy) can lead to dysphagia; tongue exercise is a common intervention. This study aimed to assess swallow biomechanics and bolus kinematics using a well‐established rat model of radiation or chemoradiation treatment to the tongue base, with or without tongue exercise intervention.MethodsPre‐ and post‐treatment videofluoroscopy was conducted on 32 male Sprague–Dawley rats treated with radiation/chemoradiation and exercise/no exercise. Rats in the exercise groups completed a progressive resistance tongue training paradigm. Swallow biomechanics, bolus kinematics, jaw opening, and post‐swallow respiration were assessed.ResultsBoth treatments impacted outcome measures; the addition of exercise intervention showed benefit for some measures, particularly in rats treated with radiation, vs. chemoradiation.ConclusionsRadiation and chemoradiation can significantly affect aspects of deglutition; combined treatment may result in worse outcomes. Tongue exercise intervention can mitigate deficits; more intensive intervention may be warranted in proportion to combined treatment.